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REVOLUTIONARY ANCESTRY. 



Mercy Warren Chapter 

Daughters of the American Revolution, 




SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS. 



MISS MARY CHAPMAN, 



Historian. 



J896. 



REVOLUTIONARY ANCESTRY. 



Mercy Warren Chapter 

Daughters of the American Revolution, 




SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS. 



MISS MARY CHAPMAN, 



Historian. 



J 896. 



"I cannot help believing, that a really better idea of the 
Revolution may be obtained from anecdotes that exhibit 
the spirit which was abroad among all classes, and which 
prompted to action, than from the most accurate transcript 
of the manceuvres by which different battles were lost and 
won, and the most precise statement of the number engaged, 
or of killed and wounded on either side." 

Mrs. E. p. Ellet. 



MERCY WARREN. 

Mercy Warren, from whom this Chapter takes its name, 
was one of the most highly educated, brilliant, and influen- 
tial women of her day. She was the daughter of Col. James 
Otis of Barnstable, Mass. This Otis family came to America 
sometime between 1730 and 1740 and settled at first in 
Hingham. The youth of Mercy Otis was passed in the 
routine of domestic employments and duties which naturally 
devolved upon her as the oldest daughter in a family of high 
respectability. She was always fond of reading and early 
became especially interested in history. In 1754 she married 
James Warren, then a merchant in Plymouth. With her 
husband, she became deeply interested in political matters. 
At their home were entertained as frequent visitors the most 
prominent patriots of the Revolutionary period. Mrs. War- 
ren's friendship was much prized by such men as Jefferson, 
Samuel and John Adams, and Gen. Knox. She corresponded 
with these and other leaders of the Revolution, and by them 
was not infrequently asked her opinion in political matters. 
The plan of the Committees of Safety and Correspondence 
was suggested in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Warren in a 
conversation with Samuel Adams and James Otis, and was 
quietly carried into effect by Adams. In 1790 Mercy War- 
ren published a volume of "Poems, Dramatic and Miscella- 
neous," dedicated to Gen. Washington, who was her per- 
sonal friend. It included two tragedies, which were well 
thought of in their time, and a number of shorter pieces. 
One of these, called "The Squabble of the Sea Nymphs," 
describes the Boston Tea Party. Another, "The Genius of 
America weeping the absurd Follies of the Day," was written, 
as she says, "when a most remarkable depravity of manners 
pervaded the cities of the United States, in consequence of a 
state of war; a relaxation of government; the sudden acquis- 



II REVOLUTIONARY AN'CEvSTRY. 

ition of fortune; a depreciating currency; and a new inter- 
course with foreign nations." Mrs. Warren's most important 
literary work was her history of the "Rise, Progress, and 
Termination of the American Revolution," in three volumes, 
published in 1805. This is especially valuable because of 
the personal acquaintance of the writer with many of the 
characters. She passed from earth October 19th, 18 14. 



MERCY WARREN CHAPTER D. A. R. 

On the seventeenth day of Decemiber, 1891, Mrs. Mar- 
shall Calkins was appointed "Regent of the Daughters of the 
American Revolution for the City of Springfield, Mass.," she 
being at the time the only member of the society in that 
place. In the following February she attended the First 
Continental Congress in Washington. Returning home, she 
devoted herself at once to the work of organizing a Chapter, 
with such success that a meeting was held in March, 1893, 
and the nineteenth of April was celebrated with appropriate 
exercises. In a letter dated April 14th, 1892, Mrs. A. How- 
ard Clark, at that time Registrar General of the National 
Society, sa)'s: "I am much pleased that }-ou are to celebrate 
the nineteenth of April, and I have no doubt that it will be 
a great success. This date is also the anniversary of the 
formal closing of the war, it being finished April 19th, 1793. 
I do not think this fact is generally known. It seems most 
probable that you will have the first organized Chapter in 
your state. Boston has quite a number of members but does 
not as yet care to form a Chapter." 

The Constitution and By-Laws were signed June 17th, 
1892 and the organization completed, with all the officers 
and a charter membership of twenty-three. On this day the 
Mercy Warren Chapter received from A. Howard Clarke, 
the husband of the Registrar General, the following telegram: 
Washington, D. C, June 17th, 1892. 

"The Sons of American Revolution congratulate the 
first Massachusetts Chapter of Daughters." 

A. Howard Clarke, Secretary General. 



REVOLUTIONARY ANCESTRY. Ill 

As the Mercy Warren is the oldest, so is it also the 
largest Chapter in the state, having at the present time about 
two hundred members, with every prospect of continued 
rapid growth. Mrs. Calkins and the twenty-two whose 
names follow directly after hers in the record were the 
original charter members. 

"Happy is the nation that has no history," since history 
is too often the record of trouble and warfare. In this sense, 
this Chapter may also be counted among the happy, peace 
and unity of counsel having always reigned within it. Let 
us hope that "our warfare is accomplished" in the persons of 
our brave ancestors, and that we may never find anything of 
this sort to record. 

Some work for the public has already been accomplished 
In April, 1894, a committee was appointed to confer with 
the Sons of the American Revolution in regard to decorat- 
ing the Graves of the Revolutionary soldiers who are buried 
in Springfield. As a result of the work of this committee, 
by the following Memorial Day thirty-two graves of soldiers 
had been identified and laurel wreaths, tied with ribbons of 
the Continental buff and blue colors, were placed upon them. 
Nor were the patriots of a later day forgotten. The Chapter 
sent to the Grand Army Post a large wreath, which was 
placed by them on the Soldiers' Monument in Court Square. 
Feeling that some more permanent marking of the last rest- 
ing places of our Revolutionary soldiers was necessary, and 
in accordance with a request of the Sons of the American 
Revolution, the City Government of Springfield in 1895, 
voted the sum of fifty dollars to provide markers for the 
graves of those who had no living relatives, and the Sons of 
the American Revolution and the Daughters of the Ameri- 
can Revolution assembled in the cemetery on June 17th, to 
place at each identified grave one of the permanent bronze 
markers authorized by the Sons of the American Revolution 
for this purpose. This they did, after prayer by the Rev. 
Mr. Makepeace and a most interesting address by Mr. Albert 
Kirkham. 

To Miss Ellen F. Palmer the Chapter is greatly indebted 
for the patience and untiring zeal which she showed in the 



iV REVOLUTIONARY ANCESTRY. 

finding' and marking" of these graves, a task which proved 
both long- and difficult. 

In 1895 the ladies of our Chapter in Enfield found that 
their town was credited with sending fifty-seven men. All 
the graves that could be identified were decorated with 
laurel wreaths suitably inscribed. 

In the present summer of 1896, the members of the 
Chapter living in Westfield, having held appropriate services, 
placed bronze markers at the graves of those Revolution- 
ary patriots who rest there. In this year the Chapter also 
sent ten dollars to the Society for the Preservation of Vir- 
ginian Antiquities, the Regent having brought before the 
Chapter a statement made in Washington by representatives 
of that society in regard to the urgent need of money to be 
used in the preservation of Jamestown, the first settlement 
made in this country, the most interesting part being in 
great danger of being washed away. The Chapter thus 
acquired a life membership in that society. 

It has also been voted that prizes should be offered to 
the senior class of the high school for the best essays on the 
part taken by Massachusetts in the Revolutionary war; the 
first of these prizes to be ten dollars and the two others, five 
dollars each. 

The fruit of our labors can be seen only in the future, 
but we shall hope to extend our work and our influence even 
more rapidly than our numbers. Our feelings, as we look- 
forward, may well find voice in the words in which our 
namesake, Mercy Warren, uttered her aspirations in the 
preface to one of her tragedies: 

"The nations have now resheathed their swords; the 
European world is hushed in peace; America stands alone. 
May she long stand, independent of every foreign power; 
superior to the spirit of intrigue, or the corrupt principles of 
usurpation that may spring from the successful exertions of 
her own sons. May their conduct never contradict the pro- 
fessions of the patriots who have asserted the rights of human 
creatures; nor cause a blush to pervade the cheeks of the 
martyrs who have fallen in defense of the liberties of their 
country." 



REVOLUTIONARY ANCESTRY. V 

OWN DAUGHTERS OF REVOLUTIONARY 
SOLDIERS. 

I. 

Miss Mary Stebbins Cooley, daughter of Roger 
Cooley, Jr., and granddaughter of Lieut. Roger Cooley. 

Roger Cooley, Jr., entered the army at the age of six- 
teen, and was on duty at the execution of Major Andre. 
His daughter remembers many stories which he used to tell, 
illustrating the hardships which the soldiers suffered in those 
days. The men were often nearly barefoot, they had no 
change of clothing, and their miserable rags froze to them 
as they marched. At one time, when they were so fortunate 
as to find and kill an ox, they were all so nearly starved 
that before it was half cooked they had devoured every 
particle, even to the entrails, and still there was not enough 
to satisfy their ravenous hunger. They scoured the country 
for food, even swimming rivers in December, and taking 
anything that promised some relief. On one occasion they 
got some beans, which were so hard that they were obliged 
to boil them for two days, putting a bag of ashes with them, 
and even then the beans were not soft or eatable. Another 
time, when rations were very scarce, Roger Cooley and a 
friend with much difficulty obtained a pass and went out to 
see what they could find. To their great joy they captured a 
sheep, which they killed and dressed, returning in triumph 
with the meat. None had been seen in the camp for weeks 
and the welcome they received may be imagined. One 
quarter of the sheep was sent to the officers and when the 
Colonel heard from whom it came, he said, "Give Cooley 
a pass whenever he wants to go." But his adventures were 
not always so happy. He was very young to endure such 
hardships and one night, worn out with a long march, with 
hunger, and manifold sufferings, he fell asleep while on duty 
as sentry, and slept so soundly that when the relief came his 
gun was taken from him without arousing him. Fortunately 
it was a friend who found him thus, so he was not reported. 

"After the war he served several years as Colonel in the 
Massachusetts Militia, and was an honored and worthy 



VI RIvVOl.rTlOXARY ANCESTRY. 

officer." He lived until 1843, ^"<J ''^'^s twice married. His 
second wife, Electa Smith, the mother of Miss Mary Cooley, 
survived him seventeen }'ears. By his two marriages he had 
eight children, of whom Mary S. \\as the youngest. She 
was born in West Springfield, May 3d, 18 16, and is the only 
one of the famil}' now living. Though quite feeble, she 
retains her faculties, and insists on caring for herself, so far 
as she is able to do so. 

H. 

Mrs. Clara Branscome Harwood Walker, widow of 
Lewis Emory W^alker, of the U. S. Treasury Department. 

Daughter of Peter Harwood, who was born in 1765, 
served three years in the army with his father, and died in 
1836. His father. Major Peter Howard, took part in the 
battles of Bunker Hill and White Plains. He was also 
present, as officer of the day, at the execution of Major 
Andre. He was brave, daring, and impetuous, as was shown 
by his persistence in refusing to obey orders to abandon and 
destroy a bridge at White Plains which the Americans were 
trying to hold against the British. In the attempt to hold it 
Major Harwood was captured, and afterwards was court- 
martialed for disobedience to orders, but on trial his action 
was so far justified that he was retained and promoted. 

Mrs. Clara B. Harwood Walker was born in North 
Brookfield, June i6th, 1812, her mother was P^lizabeth 
Arnich who was born in England, her father being a 
sea captain who brought his famil}- to America in his own 
vessel, when Elizabeth was two years of age. 

Mrs. Walker attended the school of her native town, 
and her older sister also devoted much time to her educa- 
tion, which she finished in Leicester Academ}' and in a 
private school in Worcester. In 1828 she married Lewis 
Emory Walker who was for twenty-five years connected 
with the Treasury Department at Washington, D. C. Mrs. 
Walker is a handsome woman, whose tall and erect figure 
does not show the weight of her eighty-four years, which in 
passing have touched her lightly, bestowing only grace and 
dignity. 



REVOIvUTlONARY ANCESTRY. VII 

III. 

Mrs. Harriet Smith Sanford, wife of Rev. Wm. H. 
Sanford. Daughter of Rev. Ethan Smith, 

Mrs. Sanford has given us the following account of her 
father and herself: 

"Dear Madam: — According to your request, I enclose 
a photograph of ijjiy father and also of myself, the last one I 
had taken except in groups. I was born in Hopkinton, N. 
H., September I2th, 1807; and was married in 1830, to Rev. 
Wm. H. Sanford, by whom I had five sons and one daughter. 

With regard to my father. Rev Ethan Smith, he enlisted 
in the Revolutionary Army when he was about eighteen 
years of age and served about six months. He was then so 
young that I do not recollect hearing him allude to his army 
life except being at West Point when the army was betrayed 
by Arnold. He graduated at Dartmouth College and entered 
the Congregational ministry at Haverhill, N. H. He died 
at my house in Boylston, in the eighty-seventh year of his 
age and the sixtieth of his ministry. He was well-known as 
a theological writer. His 'Smith on the Prophecies' had an 
extensive circulation and was very popular, as was his 'Key 
to the Revelation.' His 'Views of the Trinity' was used for 
sometime as a text book at Andover Seminary. I have 
written these items not knowing whether you will care for 
them or not, but thinking you can do what you please with 
them. I feel a deep interest that the memory of our Revo- 
lutionary ancestors should be preserved and honored as far 
as possible, and sincerely hope that you may be successful 
in your undertaking." 

Mrs. Sanford's grandfather, the Rev. David Sanford of 
Medway, Mass., also served four years as a Chaplain in the 
army, having resigned his pastorate for that purpose. After 
leaving the army, he returned to his parish and continued 
the honored and beloved pastor there during the remainder 
of his long- life. 



Vlll REVOLUTIONARY ANCESTRY. 

IV. 

Mrs. Phidelia Taylor Herrick was born at South 
Hadley, Mass., in 1806, and now lives on Holyokc Street in 
this city. 

Her father was Reuben Taylor and her mother, whom 
he married at Glastonbury, Conn., was Lucretia Bowers. 
After the death of Reuben Taylor his widow left South Had- 
ley, intendinj^ to make her iiome with her daug^hter, Mrs. 
Herrick, who was then living in the state of New York. 
Her household goods were in the freight house in Springfield 
when that building was destroyed by fire, and all her family 
records were then consumed. 

The state record of the services of Reuben Taylor show 
that he enlisted in 1778 in the 5th batallion Massachusetts, 
commanded by Col. Rufus Putnam, and that he continued in 
that regiment until October, 1797. 

Mrs. Herrick remembers hearing her father speak of 
going out in the "Lexington Alarm," and of being- at the 
battle of Bunker Hill. 

Notwithstanding Mrs. Herrick's advanced age her hear- 
ing is not impaired, and her e}'esight is very good. She is 
greatly interested in our org^anization, as she believes in the 
importance of preserving the records of patriotism, and of 
teaching our children to emulate the heroism and self-sacri- 
fice of their ancestors. 

V. 

Mrs. Hannah Brooks Morgan, daughter of Simon 
Brooks, was born in West Springfield, Mass., December 23d^ 
1803, and is now living with a daughter in Tolland, Mass. 

She was married in 1831 to Justin Morgan, and is the 
mother often children, of whom eight are still living. Her 
father, Simon Brooks, served during the Revolutionary war, 
though but a boy of fifteen at the time of the Lexington 
Alarm. As Mrs. Morgan is quite feeble, it is not possible 
for her to give any detailed account of her father's services. 
Simon Brooks' name appears on the United States Pension 
Rolls. 



REVOLUTIONARY ANCESTRY. IX 

VI. 

Mrs. Desire Norman Pyne, was born at Agawam, 
Mass., July 22d, 1817. Her father was John Norman and 
was born at Norwich, Conn., April 8th, 1762. He was twice 
married, his second wife, to whom he was married in 1808, 
was Desire Prentice, and was the mother of Mrs. Pyne. 

John Norman entered the revolutionary army while still 
very young and served round Norwich and New London. In 
one engagement his thigh was broken by a cannon ball. At 
another time he was taken prisoner and confined on board a 
prison ship. After some time he escaped, but after swimming 
a long distance, was recaptured. He was manacled, but for- 
tunately for him his hands were small and very flexible, so 
that he was able to slip them out of the fetters and regain 
his freedom. 

Mrs. Pyne remembers a number of stories which her 
father often told, among them one of an exchange of prisoners 
at Norwich, Conn. Just before the exchange took place the 
British poisoned the food given their prisoners, many of whom 
could be seen stretched on therocks and sands, sick and dying. 
At one time, during some heavy cannonading, a ball struck in 
the sand near a party of soldiers. An Indian among them 
thought he would get this ball, but while engaged in digging 
for it, another ball passing over his back killed him, but left 
no mark. 

John Norman's brother was killed at the battle of Fort 
Griswold and a bottle or canteen taken from his knap-sack 
was long in the possession of Mrs. Pyne. 

The first fulling-mill in Connecticut, supposed to be 
the first in the country, was 'established by the ancestors of 
these two brothers, in or near Norwich. In 1810, in partner- 
ship with several others, John Norman built a cotton mill in 
the south part of Agawam, in which cotton was spun and 
sent out to the women of the vicinity to weave. This is said 
to have been the first cotton mill in Western Massachusetts, 



X REVOLUTIONARY ANCKSTRY. 

VII. 

Mrs. Mary A. Champlin Culver, widow of William L. 
Culver. 

Daughter of George Champlin and granddaughter of 
Asa Champlin, both of whom serv^ed in the American navy 
during the Revolution. 

Mrs. Culver was born in Stonington, Conn., July 19th, 
1813, and married in Lee, Mass., March 3d, 1833. 

George Champlin, her father, was born in Westerly, 
Rhode Island, December 24th, 1763. WMien only thirteen 
years of age he ran away from home and enlisted in the 
navy. After about three months' service, rations became so 
scarce that horse flesh was served to the men, and this made 
him so ill that he sent word to his father, who came and took 
the boy home. He reenlisted afterwards on a privateer, and 
at one time was with his vessel on a cruise off "the Caroli- 
nas." After the close of the war he married Nanc}- Bentley, 
and lived for some time in Stonington, Conn., but moved 
thence to Lee, Mass., where he died in 1848. He was about 
fifty years of age when his daughter, Mrs. Culver, was 
born, and as he lived to be 85 years old, she was thirty-five 
at the time of his death. She lived on the farm with her 
father and mother, and cared for them during their lives. 

Asa Champlin, Mrs. Culver's grandfather, was born in 
Charleston, R. I., and also served in the navy during the 
Revolutionary war. He was at New London when that town 
was burned by the British, and with some others sought 
refuge in a powder magazine, which the enemy two or three 
times attempted, but unsuccessfull)% to blow up. At one 
time he was sent on special service to Genesee, N. Y., and 
was so much pleased with that region that after the close of 
the war he removed thither, and died in Genesee at an ad- 
vanced age. His father, Christopher Champlin, great grand- 
father of Mrs. Culver, also served his country in botli civil 
and military capacities. He was the first person in Rhode 
Island to free his slaves. At his death he left considerable 
property to help in the support of thirt}-six slaves whom he 
had liberated. 




REV. ETHAN SMITH, father of Mrs. Sanford, 




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REVOLUTIONARY ANCESTRY. 

National No. 908. Chapter No. i. 

Mrs. Adelaide Augusta Hosmfr Calkins, wife of 
Dr. Marshall Calkins. Descendant of 

Ensign Daniel Hosmer, wife Hannah Baker. 

Daniel Hosmer was born in Concord, Mass., January 
25th, 1745. Hannah Raker was born in Lincoln, Mass. 

Mrs. Calkins is a great-granddaughter of the above. 

Daniel Hosmer was in the "Concord Fight," April 19th, 
1775. He was a member and ensign of a military company, 
July, 1776. (See Shattuck's History of Concord, p. 354.) 
Tradition says that he served through the war. 

Abner Hosmer, who fell at the North Bridge, Concord, 
at the first engagement of the Minute Men \\ith the I^ritish 
troops, April 19th, 1775, was a cousin, as was also Lieut. 
Joseph Hosmer, who served as adjutant at the same fight. 
Hon. Titus Hosmer, member of the Continental Congress 
and a signer of the Articles of Confederation, was also a 
cousin. 

Mrs. Calkins joined the Society of the Daughters of the 
American Revolution, December 4th, 1891, her papers being 
signed by Miss Eugenia Washington, Registrar General. She 
was the first member of the Daughters of the American 
Revolution in Springfield, and the organizer of the Chapter, 
of which she was also the first Regent. 

National No. 1422. Chapter No. 2. 

Mrs. Jane Adeline Eaton Wic.ht, wife of Mr. Henry 
Kirke Wight. Descendant of 

Jonas Huntington; wife Rhoda Baldwin, and of 

Sylvanus Eaton; wife Sarah Goodrich. 

Jonas Huntington, grandfather, was born in Mansfield, 
Conn., August 19th, 1754, and died there November 26th, 
1830. He was one of the Minute Men from Mansfield, Conn., 
who marched for the relief of Boston on the Lexington 
Alarm. About 1792 or '93, his house was burned- by light- 



REVOLUTIONARY ANCESTRY. 3 

ning. The second house, built by him upon the same ground, 
is now standing, also a large elm tree set out by him on the 
old place, near the village of Eagleville, Conn. 

His father, Matthew Huntington, was engaged in the 
French War of i756-'6o, for which he enlisted a company of 
about sixty soldiers from Mansfield, Conn , and started with 
them for the seat of war on Lake George. In attempting to 
take a number of barges up the Hudson, the task proved 
more than a match for the strength of his company. One 
after another of his men gave out, and to supply the deficiency 
so far as possible, he exerted himself all the more earnestly, 
aiding with his own muscular arms the tugging at the boats, 
until he succeeded in taking his entire charge over the last 
rapids in his way. But he had overtasked his mortal powers, 
and he fell suddenly, a victim to exertions which were 
deemed, even in that day of prodigies, almost superhuman. 
He died at Greenbush. An old sword which he used, about 
four feet long, with an immense guard above the hilt nearly 
ten inches in diameter, was for several years in the family, 
but was subsequently worked up into butcher knives. 

Sylvanus Eaton, great-grandfather, was born in Middle- 
town or Portland, Conn., probably in 1758, and died in 
Springfield, Mass., in 1807. He was a private in Capt. 
Churchill's company in 1776, and in August of that year was 
stationed on Governor's Island. His grandmother, Lydia 
Starr Eaton, was the great-granddaughter of George Bunker 
of Charlestown, Mass., who was the owner of the top of that 
"hill of glory" called by his name. (See history of the Starr 
Family.) 

The following letter was addressed to Sylvanus Eaton, 
New York, by his sister Prudence Eaton, and is dated: 
Chatham, August ye 29th, 1776. 

Loving Brother: — I take this opportunity to write to 
you that through the goodness of God, I am well, as I hope 
these lines will find you. I have no news to write only 
Abigail White is very sick with the throat ail. We have 
been very much concerned for fear you was taken. Mr. 
Butler says you got there a Sunday, but there are now 
thirteen sail that come up in the sound a Saturday so that 



4 REVOLUTIONARY AXCI-;STRY. 

there is no passing by water. We hear you are to be stationed 
on Governor's Ishmd, which Mr. Butler thinks is ver)' dan- 
gerous, but I hope }'ou will put \-our trust in the Lord, who is 
able to preserve }-ou in the greatest danger and trouble. 
Mother says she forgot it in her letter, but she would have 
\ou remember her to Mr. David Halle. Their relations are 
well, I hope \'ou will send to us as often as you can for we 
all want to hear from there. We are afraid, (jive my 
regards to Mr. Jonathan Haile and tell him his friends are all 
well. Remember me to Mr. Gideon Hurlbourt. Mrs. Pru- 
dence Sewall sav'S she woidd send )ou a letter if }'ou would 
send her one first. So I must conclude, and may the Lord 
bless )ou, and keep you from all sins, and in due time return 
you home with joy. So no more at present, but I remain 
vour loving sister." 



National No. 1448. Chapter No. 3. 

Mrs. Lilian Palmer Powers, wife of L.J. Powers, Jr. 
Descendant of 

Daniel White; Dr. Rhuben Champion ; 

Capt. James Sikes; Abijah Hendrick. 

Daniel White, great-grandfather, son of Daniel, was 
born in W'est Springfield, November 2nd, 1752, and died 
September 15th, 1814. He married Hannah Lamb. He 
marched at the Lexington Alarm, April 20th, 1775, as cor- 
poral in Captain Llnoch Chapin's Compan\'. He was also in 
the e.vpedition to Canada when Montgomery was killed in 

1775- 

Dr. Rhuben Champion was born in Lyme, Conn., Sep- 
tember 14th, 1727 and died at h\irt Ticonderoga, March 
29th, 1777. He was a surgeon in the Continental Army. 
All over the state of Connecticut, where the members of 
any branch of the Champion famih- were found, the}- were 
engaged in some patriotic work. Although the Rev. Mr. 
Champion, and Deborah Champion, of whom the following 
stories are told, are not lineal ancestors of the chapter mem- 
bers who descend from this family, yet the anecdotes do not 
seem misplaced in a record of this kind, which seeks to pre- 



REVOLUTIONARY ANCESTRY. 5 

serve the memory of incidents that would find no place in 
more formal histories. 

"On one occasion Major Talmadge was passing through 
Litchfield with a regiment of cavalry. Reaching the village 
Saturday night, they remained over the Sabbath and attended 
Mr. Champion's church. The presence of the armed troopers 
in the house brought before the patriotic pastor more vividl}' 
than ever the struggle that was wasting the land, and the 
more terrible conflicts awaiting it when the veteran hosts 
reported to be on their way to conquer them should arrive. 
In his morning prayer he referred to the prospective hostile 
invasion, the overwhelming number that composed it, the 
cruel purpose for which it was set on foot, and the haughty, 
scornful spirit of those who carrieci it on. He spoke of their 
enmity to the American Church, and the ruin to religion 
which their success would accomplish; of congregations 
scattered, churches burned to the ground, and the Lord's 
people made a hissing and a byword among their foes, until 
his own feelings and those of his hearers were roused into 
intense excitement in view of the great wrongs and sufferings 
designed for them and the church of God, and he burst forth: 

'Oh Lord, we view with terror the approach of the 
enemies of Thy holy religion. Wilt thou send storm 
and tempest to toss them upon the sea and to overwhelm 
them in the mighty deep, or to scatter them to the uttermost 
parts of the earth. But peradventure, should any escape 
Thy vengeance, collect them together again, Oh Lord! as in 
the hollow of Thy hand, and let Thy lightnings play upon 
them. We do besceech Thee, moreover, that Thou do gird 
up the loins of these Thy servants, who are going forth to 
fight Thy battles. Make them strong men, that one shall 
chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight. Hold 
before them the shield with which Thou wast wont in the old 
time to protect Thy chosen people. Give them swift feet, 
that they may pursue their enemies, and swords terrible as 
that of Thy destroying angel, that they may cleave them 
down. Preserve these servants of Thine, Almighty God! 
and bring them once more to their homes and friends, if 
Thou cans't do it, consistently with Thy high purpose. If, 



6 kllVOM'TlOXARY ANCl-.STRY. 

on the other hand, Thou hast decreed that they shall die in 
battle, let Thy spirit be present with them, and breathe 
upon them, that the)- ma)- go up as a sweet sacrifice into the 
courts of thy temple, where are habitations prepared for 
them from the foundations of the world.' 

"At this remote period it is impossible to imagine the 
state of excitement in which the country was thrown by 
the opening scenes of the Revolution. Important news 
traveled at that time by couriers, and eyes were constantly 
turned up and down the streets for swift riders bearing intel- 
ligence big with the fate of the colonies. One pleasant Sab- 
bath morning the inhabitants of Litchfield had gathered to 
the sanctuary, the streets were deserted, and not a living thing 
broke the serenity and stillness that reigned in the quiet 
village. The services had already commenced, the solemn 
strains of the morning hymn had just died away, and the 
clear tones of Mr. Champion's voice were echoing through 
the consecrated place, when the clatter of a horse's hoofs 
coming at a furious rate down the street arrested every ear. 
The animal was covered with foam, but the eager rider 
spared not the spur as he pressed straight for the meeting- 
house. Alighting at the door, he threw his bridle on the 
horse's neck and entering the porch walked rapid h- up 
the aisle, and, amid a hush like that of death, ascended 
the pulpit steps and handed Mr. Champion a paper. The 
excited pastor cast his eye over it and then arose and 
announced to the still more excited congregation that St. 
John had been taken by the American troops. 'St. John is 
taken,' exclaimed the patriot, and lifting his eyes to heaven, 
burst forth, 'Thank God for the victory!' The chorister, who 
sat opposite in the gallery, could not contain his joy, but 
clapping his hands shouted, 'Amen and amen!' .After the 
first excitement was over, the pastor proceeded to read the 
entire communication. It stated that our army was in a 
suffering condition, destitute of clothing, without stockings 
or shoes, while in that latitude the latter part of November 
had brought all the rigors of winter, and that with bare, 
lacerated feet, they were soon to march to Quebec. Sorrow 
and pity took the place of exultation, and generous s}'mpa- 



REVOLUTIONARY ANCEvSTRY. 7 

thetic eyes filled with tears on every' side. There was 
scarcely a dry eye among the females of the congregation. 
As soon as the audience was dismissed, they were seen 
gathered in excited groups, and it was evident that some 
scheme was on foot that would not admit of delay. The 
result was, that when the congregation assembled in the 
afternoon, not a woman was to be seen. The men had come 
to church, but their earnest, noble wives and daughters 
had taken down their handcards, drawn forth their spinning- 
wheels, and set in motion their looms, while the knitting and 
sewing needle were plied as they never were plied before. 
It was a strange spectacle to see that puritan Sabbath turned 
into a day of secular work. The pastor was at the meeting- 
house performing those duties belonging to the house of 
God, and the voice of prayer and hymns of praise ascended 
as usual from devout and solemn hearts; but all through the 
usually quiet street of Litchfield, the humming sound of the 
spinning wheel and the clash of the shuttle plying to and 
fro, were heard. The women had consulted with their pastor 
and he had given them his sanction and his blessing. 
Swimming eyes and heaving bosoms were over the work, 
and lips moved in prayer for the destitute and the suffering. 
The pastor's wife gave fourteen blankets from her store to 
the collection. Many years after, speaking of this, a grand- 
daughter asked the venerable man how he justified such a 
desecration of the Sabbath. With a reproving glance he 
replied, 'Mercy before sacrifice.'" 

Deborah Champion was born in Westchester, Conn., in 
1753, and married, in 1775, Judge Gilbert of Gilead. "Mrs. 
Deborah Champion Gilbert," says a descendant, "was sent 
by her father, at the age of seventeen, to carry despatches 
from New London to General Washington at Boston. She 
made the journey there and back on horseback, attended 
only by an old slave named Aristarchus. At one time she 
passed through the line of British soldiers, carrying funds to 
pay the American army, her sex enabling her to pass 
without suspicion. I am proud to be able to remember her 
as a stately old lady of ninety-three years." 



8 REVOLUTIONARY ANCESTRY. 

For the services of Capt. James Sikes, see paper of Mrs. 
L. J. Powers, Sr., Chapter No. i6. 

For the services of Abijah Hendrick, see the paper of 
Mrs. F. B. Bigelow, Chapter No. 19. 

National No. 1626. Chapter No. 4. 

Miss Henrietta Stockton. 
Descendant of 

Richard Stockton; Col. John Bliss; 

Justin Granger; and Edward Morris. 

Richard Stockton, great-great-great-grandfather, was 
born near Princeton, N. J., October ist, 1730, and died there 
in 1781. He was made Judge of the Supreme Court in 1774 
and was a member of the King's Council for New Jersey 
before the Revolution. He was elected to Congress in 1776 
and together with Dr. Benjamin Rush of Philadelphia, his 
son-in-law, had the honor of subscribing the immortal Dec- 
laration of Independence. After remaining at "Morven," 
his residence in Princeton, to the latest period that the safety 
of his family admitted, affording to the remnant of our dis- 
tressed army every assistance in his power, he conveyed his 
family into the country of Monmouth, about thirty miles 
from the supposed route of the British, where he sought 
refuge for them at the house of a friend and compatriot, John 
Cooenhoven. He was betrayed by some of the Royalists, a 
party of whom came at night and entered the house by force. 
He was dragged from his bed, carried to Amboy, thence to 
New York, where he was thrown into prison, and without 
the least regard for his rank, age and delicate health, treated 
barbarously. Congress adopted a resolution directing Gen- 
eral Washington to incjuire into the treatment he was receiv- 
ing and to seek his deliverance. This was effected, but he 
never recovered from the hartlships and suffering to which he 
was at that time exposed. He did not live to see the Inde- 
pendence for which he had done and suffered so much finally 
established. P^xposure and the inhuman treatment he re- 
ceived laid the foundation of disease from which he never 
recovered. After riding on a very cold and windy day to 
Somerset court, his lips became so much chapped that a can- 



REVOLUTIONARY ANCESTRY. 9 

cerous affection resulted, which terminated his life. Thus 
he paid the cost of his avowed patriotism, fulfilling his pledge 
by giving his "life and fortune to his native country." 

His wife was Anice Bowdinot, a sister of Hon. Elias 
Bowdinot, L. L. D., one of the Presidents of Congress under 
the old Confederation, and director of the United States 
Mint. The Bowdinots were descended from a French 
Huguenot family which emigrated to this country after the 
revocation of the Edict of Nantes. Anice Bowdinot was 
a woman of more than ordinary culture and extensive literary 
acquirements. The most friendly relations existed between 
Gen. Washington and Mrs. Stockton, and they corresponded 
with the freedom of sincere friendship. Copies of several of 
Gen. Washington's letters are in Miss Stockton's possession. 
Mrs. Stockton was made a member of the American Whig 
Society, the onh' instance, it is believed, in which a woman 
has been initiated into the mysteries of that literary brother- 
hood. At the time of the war, a great many very important 
documents had been placed in Whig Hall for safe keeping. 
Upon the approach of the British army, Mrs. Stockton, know- 
ing that letters and despatches had been hidden in Whig 
Hall, and the disastrous results that would ensue from their 
falling into the hands of the British, ran there from Morven, 
carried the documents home, and with her own hands buried 
them under a tree near the house. She was also intrusted 
with some of the articles belonging to the Whig Society. 
Morven was directly in the route of the invading army in its 
march through New Jersey, and was for some time made the 
headquarters of the General of the British army. The house 
was pillaged, and the estate laid waste. A portrait of 
Richard Stockton by Copley was found after the departure 
of the British thrown in a heap of rubbish, with a gash, 
evidently made with a sword, in the throat. This portrait 
is now in the possession of one of his descendants, with 
many other interesting ante-Revolutionary relics, including 
gold and silver pieces with the family coat of arms engraved 
on them. 

Col. John Bliss of Wilbraham, great-great-great-grand- 
father on the maternal side, served as a soldier in the French 



lo REVOLUTIONARY ANCESTRY. 

War, and as Colonel in the Revolution. He was a man of 
great influence and of high native talent. Born in 1727, a 
self-taught man, he became one of the most prominent men 
of his time in this region, serving man}' years as Judge of the 
Court of Common Pleas, in three Provincial Congresses, and 
twenty-eight years in the Legislature or in the Executive 
Council. He was an ardent Whig in the Revolution, and a 
Colonel in the militia. 

Edward Morris of Wilbraham, great-great-grandfather, 
was a son-in-law of Col. John Bliss. He served as a private 
in the Revolution, and Miss Stockton has in her possession 
the old gun he carried at that time with his initials E. M. 
rudely carved on it. As as illustration of the suffering and 
privation to which the army was reduced, he would tell how 
he once picked up a piece of razv pork, washed it in a brook 
near by and ate it, declaring it to be "the sweetest morsel 1 
ever tasted." 

His son, John IMiss Morris, married Lucia Granger, 
daughter of Justin Granger, of West Springfield, Mass., (thus 
great-great-grandfather of Miss Stockton) who was a soldier 
in the Revolution, having enlisted in the Third Regiment 
Mass. Colonial troops, under Commander Flower. 

See the Stockton, Morris and Granger family histories; 
the "Longmeadow" book, and Sanderson's "Biography of 
the Signers." 

National No. 1661. Chapter No. 5. 

Mrs. Medora Vaille Wallace, wife of A. B.Wallace. 
Descendant of 

David Wilkinson, wife Ruth Allen. 

David Wilkinson, great-grandfather, was born in Sharon, 
Mass., August 20th, 1762, and died in Marlboro, New Hamp- 
shire, December loth, 1843. He was a soldier in Col. 
Crane's artillery. On the books of "Crane's Continental 
Artillery" he is credited with the following service: 

From December 19th, 1777 to December 31st, 1779; 
from January, 1779 to December 31st, 1780. 

Revolutionar)' Record of David Wilkinson; New Hamp- 
shire Sons of the Revolution, Secretary's Office, Vol. i 3, p. 64. 



REVOLUTIONARY ANCEvSTRY. il 

"A muster roll of Capt. Josiah Pratt's Co. of Stoughton 
and Stoughtonham in Col. Lemuel Robinson's Regiment that 
marched on the alarm of April 19th, 1775, David Wilkinson 
private, three days' service." (Stoughton was the next town 
to Walpole.) Vol. 51, File 13. Muster roll of Capt. Samuel 
Shaw's Co. in the 3rd Reg't of Artillery in the service of the 
United States of America, commanded by Col. John Crane, 
taken for the months of February and March, 1781. David 
Wilkinson, Matross, joined April 4th, 1781, for the war. 

National No. 1627. Chapter No. 6. 

Mrs. Susan E. Parsons Forbes, wife of A. B. Forbes. 
Descendant of 

Capt. James Gray, wife Susanna Parsons. 

Capt. James Gray, grandfather, was born in Boston, 
Mass., October 8th, 1749, and died in Epsom, New Hamp- 
shire, January loth, 1822. He was Captain of the 8th Co. 
3rd Reg't New Hampshire soldiers under Col. Alex. Scam- 
mel, from 1775 to 1778. 

National No. 1563. Chapter No. 7. 

Miss Emily Bliss Bryant. 
Descendant of 

John Bryant, wife Hannah Mason; and of 

David Mason, wife Hannah Symonds. 

John Bryant, great-grandfather, was born in Boston, 
Mass., May iith, 1743, and died in Springfield, Mass., May 
1st, 18 16. He was a Capt. in Knox's Reg't until 1777, when 
by the explosion of a cannon near Lake George he lost his 
right arm. He was then ordered to Springfield and served as 
Commissary of military stores until his death. 

David Mason, great-great-grandfather, was born in Bos- 
ton, Mass., March 27th, 1727, and died in September, 1794. 

In his earlier life he learned painting and gilding and 
then studied portrait painting with John Greenwood of Lon- 
don. He became interested in the study of electricity and 
delivered lectures upon that subject in Boston and vicinity, 
and as he made some valuable discoveries he went to Phila- 
delphia to communicate the results of his experiments to Dr. 



12 RlvVOI.I-TlONARY ANX^ESTRY. 

Franklin, a friend of his fatlier. He also made himself pro- 
ficient in the science of military tactics and gunning, and 
served as Lieutenant of British Artillery in the French and 
Indian war. He commanded a battery of brass cannon at 
Fort W'm. Henry in 1757 when it was taken b\' the Frencli, 
and fired the last ball in that fort. 

Through the kindness of a hVench officer he succeeded in 
making his escape from the Indians who were taking him 
into captivit}'. In 1763 he raised and organized the first 
artillery company- in Boston, known as the "Train of Artil- 
lery," and served as Captain until his removal to Salem. 
This company became a celebrated military school and fur- 
nished many excellent officers in the Revolutionary War; 
the company had from London two brass field pieces, which 
were constantly in service during the war of the Revolution, 
and in 1788 the names of Hancock and Adams were engraved 
on them by order of Congress. They are now in Bunker 
Hill Monument. 

In 1774 he received from the Massachusetts Committee 
of Safety, the appointment of Engineer, — the first military 
appointment in the Revolutionary War, and, from this time 
was actively engaged in collecting military stores and mak- 
ing secret preparation for the coming contest. The cannon 
and stores at Salem, to obtain possession of which was the 
object of the expedition from Boston under Lt. Col. Leslie in 
1775, had been collected by him; the British soldiers marched 
to Salem their band playing "Yankee Doodle;" returning 
without the cannon or stores, the band pla) ed "The world's 
turned upside down." 

On the organization of the Artillery at Cambridge — 
1775 — he was ai)i)ointed Lt. Col. of the Regiment of wliich 
Henry Knox was Colonel. He was in charge of the guns on 
Dorchester Heights at tlie siege of Boston and was severely 
wounded by the explosion of one of them. From this injury 
he never fully recovered. In 1776 he was offered the com- 
mand of the Castle in Boston Harbor by the General Court 
of Massachusetts, — but thinking it his duty to remain in 
active service, went on to Norwich with the Artillery and 
ammunition and thence to New York. He commanded the 



REVOLUTIONARY ANCESTRY. 13 

battery that was hoped would prevent the British fleet pass- 
ing up North River. 

Col. Mason more than once was nearly captured by the 
British. At a farmhouse in New Jersey he, with other officers, 
made a hasty escape through a back door to their horses, and 
dashed madly away through the fields, leaving the dinner 
prepared for them to the enemy who were marching up to 
the front door. 

In the autumn of 1776, under orders from Gen. Washing- 
ton, he returned to New England to select a suitable place to 
establish a cannon foundry and cartridge laborator}'. Spring- 
field was chosen and Washington, writing Februar}' 14, 1777, 
from Morristown, advised Congress that he had ordered the 
works to begin. For five }-ears Col. Mason continued in 
charge of the works, — most of the amnriunition used north of 
Philadelphia and everything necessary for Arnold's expedi- 
tion to Canada, was prepareil there. He was superseded in 
17S1 and removing to Boston, died there September 17, 1794. 

Col. Mason was known in Salem as "one of nature's 
nobility, courtly and refined in manners and address" and 
Rev. Dr. John Elliot writes, September 19th, 1794, "a true 
disciple of Jesus Christ," "an early and active defender of 
the liberties of his country." 

The wife of Col. Mason in the winter of '74-"75, cut out 
five thousand flannel cartridges and her daughter sewed them 
very carefully, — often they worked behind locked doors, 
fearing the prying neighbors would find out the nature of their 
employment. Although in feeble health and feeling the 
need of the stimulant of tea, she refused the liberty of using 
it when her husband was one of a committee to prevent the 
sale of it in Salem, saying she would not enjo\' a privilege 
her husband was appointed to take from her friends and 
neighbors. 

National No. 17 12. Chapter No. 8. 

Mrs. Clara Markham Se.s.sions, wife of Hon. Wm. R. 
Sessions. 

Descendant of 

Darius Markham; Rev. Noah Alden; 



14 REVOLUTIONARY ANCESTRY. 

Capt. Abner Pease; Nathaniel Cook; and 

Timothy Crane. 

Darius Markham, great-grandfather, was born in Enfield, 
Conn., in 1745 and died there in 1800. His wife was Lucy 
Alden, a great-great-granddaughter of John Alden and 
Priscilla Mullens, who came over in the Alaj'flower. Darius 
Markham was a private in a detachment of the 3rd Troop, 
4th Regiment of Light Horse, who served as an escort to 
prisoners of Burgoyne's army passing through the State of 
Connecticut, November, 1778, and according to tradition did 
other Revolutionary service as a soldier. The whole family 
was patriotic. Barzilla, great-grandfather of Ex-Gov. Mark- 
ham of California, ser\'ed in the Lexington Alarm, and also 
in a Connecticut regiment in 1775. Another great-great- 
uncle, Nathan, served in the Lexington Alarm, as did also 
four cousins, Ambrose, Lsaac, John and Nathan. Still others 
were in the arm}^ at various times during the Revolution. 

Rev. Noah Alden, father-in-law of Darius Markham, 
served as a delegate from the town of Bellingham, Mass., to 
the convention which framed the original constitution of the 
State of Massachusetts, 1779 and 1780. Rev. Dr. Sprague 
in the "American Pulpit," sa}'s of him: "He occupied a con- 
spicuous place in it (the convention). He was one of the 
most able and active friends of religious libert)' found in that 
body. He did not gain all he attempted, butdidgain much, 
and the friends of that cause will always owe him a large 
debt of gratitude. He was also a member of the Massa- 
chusetts convention to which w'as submitted the constitutit n 
of the United States." 

Capt. Abner Pease, great-grandfather, was deputy sheriff 
of Albany Co., N. Y., during the Revolutionary War. In the 
discharge of duty as deputy sheriff in compan}' with two 
others, one of whom was Capt. Harry Greene, while endeav- 
oring to arrest rebellious tories, he was surprised by a 
superior force and taken prisoner. In resisting capture he 
was severely wounded in the head. This was during Bur- 
goyne's invasion. The tories endeavored to remove their 
prisoners within the British lines, taking bypaths through 
the forest. On the journe}' Mr. Pease's wound bled so pro- 



REVOLUTIONARY ANCESTRY. 15 

fusely that he fainted, and his captors left him to die alone in 
the forest. He revived, and his cries attracted the attention 
of a boy who was hunting for his father's cows. The boy at 
first refused to assist him, being afraid of the revengeful 
tories in the neighborhood. However, he finally prevailed 
on the boy to inform his friends, and his life was saved. His 
captors were afterwards apprehended, tried, and hanged at 
Albany. He was present officially at the examination, and 
was recognized and complimented by the condemned for his 
bravery in this fight in which he was wounded and captured. 

Nathaniel Cook, great-great-grandfather, served in Capt. 
Hezekiah Dunham's Co., Col. Cornelius Von Vetchen's Reg- 
iment, the 13th Albany County Regiment of the New York 
State militia, which regiment was employed in active service 
during the whole of the Revolutionary War. 

Timothy Crane of Charlton, Saratoga Co., N. Y., great- 
grandfather, was a Revolutionary pensioner according to the 
records of the Bureau of Pensions at Washington. His pen- 
sion was allowed for thirteen months and twenty-six days 
actual service as a private in the New York troops, Revolu- 
tionary War; a part of this time served under Capt. Hayes 
and Col. Van Cortlandt. 

See for the Markhams, "Connecticut Men in the Revo- 
lution." For Rev. Noah Alden, the "Genealogy of the 
Aldens," and the Records of the Massachusetts Constitutional 
Conventions. For Capt. Abner Pease, "Genealogy and His- 
torical Records of the Descendants of John Pease." For 
Nathaniel Cook, page seven of a manuscript volume entitled, 
"Treasurer's Certificates, Vol. 7," in custody of the Regents 
of the University of the State of New York in the State 
Library. P^or Timothy Crane, the records in the Pension 
Office, Washington, D. C. 

National No. 17 18. Chapter No. 9. 

Mrs. Lauriette Godfrey Pease, wife of Charles M. 

Pease, Westfield, Mass. 
Descendant of 
Brig. Gen. George Godfrey, wife Bethia Hodges; and 
Lieut. Thomas Jewett, wife Eunice Slater. 



i6 



RIvVOlvUTIONARV ANCI'^STRV. 



George Godfrey, great-grandfather, was born in Taunton. 
March 19th, 1720, and died there June 30th. 1793. He began 
his niilitar}' record b}' service in the French and Indian wars, 
beginning as a private, and passing through cvcr\' grade to 
that of Colonel in the militia prior to its reorganization in 
1776. He then receix'ed the rank of Brigadier General, being 
the first citizen of Jkistol Count)- upon whom that rank had 
been bestowed. He remained in command of the Bris- 
tol County Brigade from the time of his election and com- 
mission, February 9th, 1776, until July ist, 1781. He held 
numerous local offices, both before and after the Revolution. 
He was a member of the "Committee of Correspondence and 
Safet)\" For many years he served as town and county 
treasurer, assessor, and selectman, and was representati\'e in 
the (leneral Court for five }'ears. 

Thomas Jcwett was born in Norwich, Conn., in August, 
1736, and died in Bennington, Vt , Ma\^ 29th, 1812. He 
moved to Pownal, Vt., (a short distance south of Bennington) 
in 1769. He was active in public affairs in the early history 
of the state, and a member of the first legislature which met 
at Windsor, March 12th, 1778. He was placed upon several 
important committees In 1783 he was returned to the 
legislature from Pownal, and again from 1787 to 1791 inclu- 
sive. He was a member of the convention which voted the 
admission of Vermont as a state. He was Second Lieutenant 
in Capt. Dewey's Co. of Bennington, and took an active part 
in the Battle of Bennington. Several traditions relating to 
this battle have come down in the family. It is said that 
during the battle it was announced that the ammunition was 
giving out, whereupon Lieut. Jewett seized a camp kettle 
and filling it with powder, dealt it out in a dipper with his 
own hand to the soldiers. As the tide of the victory turned 
in favor of the Americans, Lieut. Jewett started to cross the 
battlefield. He came upon Col. Baum, the Hessian com- 
mander, lying mortally wounded, procured some water 
for him, and endeavored to place him in as comfortable a 
position as possible. He afterwards took Col. Baum's sword, 
which years later he gave to a friend, whose descendant still 
possesses it. 



REVOLUTIONARY ANCESTRY. 17 

National No. 1716. Chapter No. 10. 

Mrs. Julia Bowles Alexander Phillips, wife of 
Henry M. Phillips. 

Descendant of 

Capt. Thomas Alexander, wife Abigail Wright. 

Thomas Alexander, great-great-grandfather, was born 
n Northfield, Mass., May 30th, 1727, and died therein 1801. 
The "History of Northfield" by Temple and Sheldon has 
this petition: "Whereas, your petitioner marched with a 
company under his command in Col. Porter's Regiment, 
about March 5th, 1776, and after a very longand tediousmarch 
arrived at Quebec about the last of April, and, in a short 
time after the army was obliged to retreat from Quebec, and 
n the retreat, your petitioner as well as the rest of the army, 
passed through unparalled scenes of danger, hardships and 
distress; and arrived at Ticonderoga about the ist of July, 
where he with his company continued until November i8th, 
when he, with those of his company who survived and were 
able marched for Albany and from there to New Jersey and 
joined General Washington's army the beginning of Decem- 
ber, where they continued till the last of December, when the 
time for which they were engaged expired, but by the request 
of the inhabitants, they were desired by the General to stay 
fifteen days longer, and they, in compassion to the people 
consented to stay that term of time, at the expiration of 
which they were discharged, and your petitioner on his return 
homeward near Peekskill met with an unhapp)' fall, upon the 
ice, whereby one of his hips was greatly hurt, and the bone 
dislocated, which confined him there some time and occa- 
sioned very extreme pain and much cost to get home, and, 
since his return, has been at considerable charge, in applying 
to surgeons, for relief of his lameness by means of said fall; 
but yet remains much of a cripple, and fears he ever shall, — 
Therefore, your petitioner most humbly prays that your 
honor would consider his circumstances and graciously grant 
unto him what you, in your wisdom, shall judge reasonable 



i8 REVOLI'TIONARV ANCESTRY. 

and equitable for the damage he has sustained in serving his 
countr)' — and in duty bound shall ever pray. 

Your Honor's most humble servant, 

Thos. Alexander." 
Petition to General Court, etc., assembled May 27th, 
1778. Petition granted, September 23rd, 1779. 

National No. 1717. Chapter No. 11. 

Mrs. Mary Jane Smith Seymour, widow of F. W. 
Seymour. 

Descendant of 

James Smith, Sr., wife Margaret Brown; 

Deacon Joseph Hoar, wife Deborah Colton; and 

Joseph Hoar, Jr., wife Hannah Hitchcock. 

James Smith, great-great-grandfather, was born in the 
North of Ireland, in 1692, and died in Palmer, Mass., June 
1 6th, 1776. He was one of the selectmen of Palmer who on 
June 13th, 1766, issued a call for a town meeting to decide 
whether the inhabitants of Palmer would support Congress 
should they declare the Independence of the Colonies from 
Gre it Britain. This meeting was held "on Monday, the 
17th day of June, 1776," and unanimously declared "we will 
support them with our lives and fortunes." 

Deacon Joseph Hoar, great-great-grandfather. In the 
"History of Hrimfield" it is stated that he was one of a com- 
mittee of five men, known as a "Committee of Grievance," 
who were to correspond with like committees throughout the 
Provinceand report to the town. July i st, 1 774, all the voters 
of the town signed a covenant to refrain from the purchase 
of all goods imported from (ireat Britain. To this document 
were affixed the signatures of Joseph Hoar (Deacon), and of 
Joseph Hoar, Jr., great-grandfather. In the list of soldiers 
from Brimfield, War of the Revolution, taken from the Massa- 
chusetts file in the State House, and published in the "History 
of Brimfield," occurs the following: "Hoar, Joseph, l^nsign, 
Lieut., Captain, 1782." "A Lieutenant in (iates' Northern 
Army in 1777." After the close of the Revolutionary War 
he also commanded a company which served the government 
in Shay's Rebellion in 1787. 



REVOIvUTlONARY ANCESTRY. 19 

National No. 1713. Chapter No. 12. 

Miss Minerva B. Rust. 
Descendant of 

Gresham Rust, wife Mary Cooley. 

Gresham Rust, great-grandfather, was born in Coventry, 
Conn., March, 1738, and died in Chester, Mass., October 
8th, 1823. Sergeant Gresham Rust, "from Merryfield," 
marched from home October 21st, 1776, under Capt. Shep- 
ard. Col. John Moseley's Regiment; "Who marched to Mt. 
Independence under the command of Lieut. Col. Rober- 
son, in the alarm of October Last on the 21st, 1776." "Ser- 
geant Gresham Rust marched on the alarm at Bennington, 
August 17th, in the same company." His tombstone bears 
the following inscription: 
Gresham Rust, Died October 8th, 1823, in his 85th year. 
God is just, supreme his power. 
Mortals be silent and adore. 

Two of his sons, Justin and Quartus were in the Revo- 
lutionary War, and were two of the one hundred }'oung men 
under twenty-one years old with whom Gen. Washington 
entered and captured New York City, the British being 
compelled to retreat and leave the city. Justin enlisted in 
April, 1781, for three years, at the age of seventeen. Quartus 
was fifteen when he enlisted. That patriotism is still a family 
trait is shown in the career of Henry A. Rust, brother of 
Miss M. B. Rust, and now of Chicago. 111., who at the out- 
break of the Civil War in 1861, entered his country's service, 
and after more than three years was "mustered out" with his 
regiment, in which he was successively adjutant, captain, and 
major. 

National No. 1713. Chapter No. 13. 

Mrs. Emily H. Collins Wilcox, wife of Wm. L. 
Wilcox. 

Descendant of 

Elisha Bascom, wife Lucy Sheldon. 

Elisha Bascom, great-grandfather, was born in South- 
ampton, Mass., in 1739, and died in service at Ticonderoga, 
N. Y., September i8th, 1776. He served as a Lieutenant of 
Volunteers, and enlisted from the town of Southampton. 



20 RRVOIvUTlONARY ANCEvSTRY. 

National No. 17 14. Chapter No. 14. 

Mrs. Emma Lillian Wilcox Kirk ham, wife of J. S. 
Kirkham. 

Descendant of 

Elisha Bascom; and of Stephen Wilcox. 

For the services of Elisha Bascom, see the paper of 
Mrs. Wm. L. Wilcox, Chapter No. 13. 

Stephen Wilcox, great-great-grandfather. From the 
"Middletown Constitution," January 3rd, 1844; "Stephen 
Wilcox died December 21st. 1843. Another soldier of the 
Revolution gone in Berlin on the 21st, Mr. Stephen Wilcox, 
at the advanced age of ninet}'-seven years." 

National No. 1747. Chapter No. 15. 

Mrs. Sarah Wilkinson Vaille, widow of Dr. H. R. 

Vaille. 

Descendant of 

David Wilkinson, wife Ruth Allen; and of 

Major Aaron Guild. 

David Wilkinson, grandfather, was born in Sharon, 
Mass., August 20th, 1762, and died in Marlboro, N. H., 
December iith, 1843. He is credited in the books of 
"Crane's Continental Artillery," and served from December 
19th, 1779, to December 31st, 1780. He was a soldier under 
Benedict Arnold, when the latter betrayed his country, and 
was present at the execution of Major Andre in 1780. 

Major Aaron Guild, great-grandfather, served on a 
Committee of Safety in 1774 and as muster master in 1775. 
He was Ensign in Capt. Fales' Co., and Captain in Col. 
Nichols" Regiment of "foot soldiers." At Fort Ticonderoga 
he served as Captain in Col. J. Whitney's Regiment in the 
colonial service. His company was mustered in at Hull, 
November 13th, 1776. 

National No. 1745. Chapter No. 16. 

Mrs. Martha Bangs Powers, wife of Lewis J. Powers. 

Descendant of 
Joseph Bangs, wife Desire Sears; 
James Sikes, wife Dina Hitchcock; and of 
Dr. Rhuben Champion. 



REVOLUTIONARY ANCESTRY. 21 

Joseph Bangs, grandfather, was born in Dennis, Mass., 
July 5th, 1757, and died in Hawley, Mass. As a soldier he 
was in the battle of Bunker Hill, and he also served in the 
navy. His widow received a pension from the United States 
government. 

Capt. James Sikes, great-grandfather, was born in 
Springfield, August 13th, 17 19, and died there in February, 
1795. He was one of the committee who drew up the reso- 
lutions on non-importation and non-consumption, being sent 
to Boston by the Springfield town meeting, July, 1774. He 
was also one of the committee of correspondence in 1 774-1 776. 
In 1775 and 1776 he was one of the selectmen. In March, 
1780 he headed a committee to enquire into the state of the 
town's militia. Capt. Gideon Burt's company enlisted April 
24th, 1775 and; "Many of these men were fitted out by well- 
to-do citizens, such as * - James Sikes * * and others." 
(History of Springfield, p. 285.) "James Sikes, like all the 
family oft hat name, was part of the bone and sinew of the 
town." (Ilio. p, 279.) 

For services of Dr. Champion see paper of Mrs. L. J. 
Powers, Jr., Chapter No. 3. 

National No. 1749. Chapter No. 17. 

Mrs. Ida Clark Powers, wife of F. B. Powers. 
Descendant of 

Jesse Alcox, wife Patience Blakeslee. 

Jesse Alcox, great-great-grandfather, was born at VVol- 
cott. Conn., March 23rd, 1736, and died there October 29th, 
1829. 

"Jesse Alcox was a staunch patriot, one of a family 
which in all its branches espoused the cause of our country 
in the struggle for independence in various ways, with spirit 
and energy." One of his brothers was Capt. John Alcox, 
a devoted soldier and patriot. Jesse was a man of loyalty 
and stability, and an active and substantial member in town 
and church affairs. His name appears on prudential commit- 
tees and the roll of honor of his native place. Mrs. Powers 
writes: "I can find no proof that he fought in the Revolu- 
tionary war, but he assisted others to do so, records and 



22 REVOLUTIONARY ANCESTRY. 

famil)' tradition showing that he was connected with much 
work of this kind. Of his father it was said: 'Every citizen must 
feel to honor his name and congratuhite his descendants.'" 

National No. 1748. Chapter No. 18. 

Miss Ellen Frances Palmer. 
Descendant of 

Capt. James Sikes; Dr. Reuben Champion; 

Daniel White; and Abijah Hendrick. 

For records of the above, see the papers of Mrs. L. J. 
Powers, Jr., Chapter No. 3; Mrs. L. J. Powers, Sr., Chapter 
No. 16; and Mrs. F. B. Bigelow\ Chapter No. 19. 

National No. 1746. Chapter No. 19. 

Mrs. Mae Palmer Bigelow, wife of F'rank B. Bigelow. 
Descendant of 

Dr. Reuben Champion; Daniel White; 

Capt. James Sikes; and Abijah Hendrick. 

Abijah Hendrick, great-grandfather, was born in Wil- 
braham, Mass., August 9th, 176L and died in P^eeding Hills, 
November 26th, 1840. He enlisted at Springfield, January 
1st, 1777, at the age of fifteen and a half years, and served in 
Capt. Morgan's company under Lieut. Brewer, from Januar)' 
Lst to July 1st, 1777, guarding the military stores at Spring- 
field. He was placed on the Pension Rolls, April i8th, 1833. 

For services of Dr. Champion and Daniel White, see 
paper of Mrs. L.J. Powers, Jr., Chapter No. 3; for those of 
Capt. James Sikes, see that of Mrs. L. J. Powers, Sr., Chapter 
No. 16. 

National No. 1978. Chapter No. 20. 

Mrs. Kate E. Olmsted Beebe. wife of H.J. Beebe. 
Descendant of 

Capt. Emery Pease, wife Mary Horton. 

Emery Pease, great-great-grandfather, was born at 
Enfield, Conn., in 1727, and died at Somers, Conn., in 1796. 
He was one of the first to respond to the call of his country 
to defend its liberties. He marched to l^oston at the first 
alarm in the Revolution, at the head of seventy volun- 
teers from Somers, and served much of the time during the 



REVOLUTIONARY ANCESTRY. 23 

war as Captain of a militia company. He was a justice of 
the peace, and a man held in high esteem by his fellow- 
townsmen. 

See paper of Miss Anne R. Glover, Chapter No. 30. 

National No. 1744. Chapter No. 21. 

Mrs. Lucy C. Mutell, wife of C. W. Mutell. 
Descendant of 

Gen. John Thomas. 

John Thomas, great-great-grandfather, was born in 
Wales, about 1722, and died in Lower Canada, Ma}- 30th, 
1776. He was in command of the 24th Regiment of the 
Army of the United Colonies of North America, which 
consisted of eleven companies. His regiment was encamped 
near Roxbury, October 6th, 1775. Gen. Thomas had served 
in the French and Indian War, and in 1776 was appointed 
Major General. After the death of Montgomer}', he was 
entrusted with the command of the troops in Canada. He 
joined the army before Quebec on May ist, and died May 
30th, of small pox. contracted in camp. 

National No. 1763. Chapter No. 22. 

Miss Amy Bowles Alexander. 

Descendant of 
Capt. Thomas Alexander. 
See paper of Mrs. H. M. Phillips, Chapter No. 10. 

National No. 1764. Chapter No. 23. 

Mlss Lena Gertrude Stowe. 
Descendant of 

Ichabod Stowe, wife Ruth Stowe. 

Ichabod Stowe, great-grandfather, was born in Stowe, 
Mass., in 1756. He served at the battles of Bunker Hill, 
Ticonderoga, and White Plains. His wife received a "W'id- 
ow's Pension." 

National No. 1974. Chapter No. 24. 

Mrs. Lucy E. Emery Fuller, wife of G. F. Fuller. 

Descendant of 
John Emery, wife Ruth Emery. 



24 REVOIvUTlONARY ANCEvSTRY. 

John Emery, great-grandfather, was born in Townsend, 
Mass., September 2ist, 1753, and died there in March, 1828. 
He was a Minuteman of Captain James PIosle}''s Company, 
Col. Wm. Prescott's Regiment. He was also a private of 
Capt. Hosley's Volunteers who went to the assistance of 
Major General Gates, "agreeable to a resolve of the General 
Court of the State of Massachusetts, September 22nd, 1777." 
This company was in Col. Jonathan Reed's Regiment. He 
fought at the Battle of Bunker Hill, and for bravery was 
promoted from private to a Sergeant. 

Chapter No. 25. 
Resigned from Chapter and from National Society. 

National No. 2045. Chapter No. 26. 

Mrs. Maria L. Owen, wife of Dr. V. L. Owen. 
Descendant of 

Joseph Mayo, wife Esther Kenrick. 

Joseph Mayo, great-great-grandfather, was born in 
Roxbur)', Mass., Februar}- 28th, 1725, and died February 
14th, 1776. In Francis Jackson's "History of Newton," it is 
stated that, "Esther Kenrick married Major Ma}-o of Roxbury, 
who was killed in the Revolution." He probably came to 
his death during the siege of Boston. He had his title of 
Major before the l-^evolution having held that rank in the 
first Suffolk Regiment by appointment from Gov. Hutchin- 
son, and Drake in his "History of Roxbury," says: "there is 
no doubt but that he was a good and patriotic citizen." The 
name and service of Joseph Mayo are recorded in the Massa- 
chusetts Archives at Boston. Mrs, Owen writes: "My mother 
was a Nantucket woman of almost unmixed descent from the 
first settlers of that island, who were mostly Friends (com- 
monly called Quakers). The people were principled against 
bearing arms on any occasion, hence I cannot expect to find 
an ancestor on my mother's side, who foiig /it in the Revolu- 
tion, but \^ snffi-riiigs go for anything my claim there is of 
the strongest. In Macy's 'History of Nantucket," after telling 
of the shipping that belonged in this island which fell into 
the hands of the enemy during the war, he says: 'It would 



REVOLUTIONARY ANCEvSTRY: 25 

be difficult at this period to make an estimate of the value of 
these vessels; many of them had on board valuable cargoes. 
Of the crews, some perished miserably in prison ships, others 
lingered years in confinement; some entered the service of 
the country, others returned home destitute to destitute 
families. To these considerations if we add losses by plun- 
derers, the almost total stoppage of busiuess during the war, 
the insufficiency of the soil to produce food for the inhabi- 
tants, the almost constant blockading of the harbor by the 
Eng-lish or the Refugees, it will not be doubted that Nan- 
tucket paid as dearly for the Independence of our country as 
any place in the Union.' At that time about ten of my 
Nantucket ancestors were living and sharing in the trials 
related above." 

When this claim was entered, collateral claims were also 
allowed, and Mrs. Owen is collaterally related in two lines 
to Benjamin Franklin. 

National No. 1975. Chapter No. 27. 

Mrs. Sarah E. Collins Bemis, wife of Thomas O. 
Bemis. 

Descendant of 

Elisha Bascom, wife Lucy Sheldon. 

Elisha Bascom, great-grandfather, was born in South- 
ampton in 1739, and died at Ticonderoga, September i8th, 
1776, while serving as Lieutenant of Volunteers. 

National No. 1976. Chapter No. 28. 

Mrs. Clara Skeele Palmer, wife of Rev. William 
Randall Palmer. 

Descendant of 

Amos Skeele, wife Mercy Otis; and of 

Erastus Morgan, wife Clarissa Chapin. 

Amos Skeele, paternal grandfather, was born May 6th, 
1750, in that part of Woodbury, Conn., which is now known 
as Southbury. He enlisted July 13th, 1775, under Capt. 
Nathaniel Tuttle, in the fifth Company of the Seventh Regi- 
ment of Connecticut State Troops, Col. Charles Webb. This 
regiment was afterwards adopted as Continental. The 



26 REVOJJTIONARY ANCKvSTRY. 

companies of this regiment were stationed at various points 
along the Sound until September 14th, when they were 
ordered to Boston and assigned to Gen. Sullivan's Brigade 
on Winter Hill, where they remained until the expiration of 
their term of service, December 20th, 1775. Many of the 
men reenlisted, among them Amos Skeele. His regiment 
was remodeled, and then known as "The 19th Continental 
Foot," but Col. Webb remained in command. It marched 
to New York, where it remained until the close of the year 
1776. It assisted in the fortification of New York, was at the 
Brookl}-n front, was engaged in the battle of White Plains, 
October 28th, and at Trenton, December 25th. At the end 
of this service Amos Skeele returned home to rest a short 
time before reenlisting. On April 28th, the British attacked 
Danbury and Amos Skeele at once joined the volunteers for 
its defence, being made Captain of a compan}'. During the 
skirmish he was so seriously wounded in the right arm that 
he was unable to serve further in the arm}'. On his recovery he 
studied medicine, which he practiced for more than fifty 
years, until he was eighty-three }'ears old, living in Middle 
Haddam, and in Somers, Conn., until 1804, when he moved 
to that part of Springfield, Mass., which is now known as 
Chicopee, and died there, March 2nd, 1843, aged ninet)-- 
three years. 

Erastus Morgan, maternal grandfather, was born in 
West Springfield, about 1758, and enlisted when barely 
seventeen years old. On account of his }-outh and slender 
appearance he was not sent into the field, but was employed 
in guarding the militar}- stores in Springfield, Mass. His 
grandfather, Ebenezer Morgan, who lived on a farm border- 
ing on North Main Street, although too old to be in active 
service, rendered efficient aid and comfort to the garrison in 
Springfield. Erastus Morgan died in West Springfield, at 
the age of ninety-two years. His wife was the grand- 
daughter of Capt. Elisha Chapin, Commander of Fort Massa- 
chusetts, who was killed by the Indians at that place in 1734. 
She died in 1841, aged seventy-six. 



REVOLUTIONARY ANCESTRY. 27 

National No. 1979, Chapter No. 29. 

Mrs. Elizabeth Chapman Brown, wife of T. M. 
Brown. 

Descendant of 

Benjamin Chapman, wife Abigail Riggs; 

Elijah Knox, wife Ruth Huntley; 

John Ferguson, wife Dorothy Hamilton; 

John Knox, wife Rachel Freeland; 

William Knox, wife Isabel Ferguson; and of 

John Hamilton, wife Sarah Blair. 

Rev. Benjamin Chapman, great-grandfather, was pastor 
of the church at Southington, Conn. He was born in 1724, 
and died in 1786. When Mrs. Brown joined the Daughters 
of the American Revolution collateral ancestry was allowed, 
and as at that time it was difficultto prove the personal patriot- 
ism of this ancestor, claim was made through his wife, 
Abigail Riggs Chapman, who, coming from a family noted 
for patriotism, was the mother of two sons who served in the 
Revolutionary Army. Her oldest son, Roswell Riggs, 
enlisted, and died of a fever in September, 1776, at the age 
of nineteen. He was brought home and buried at Southing- 
ton; recently his grave has been marked by the Sons of the 
American Revolution. A second son, Benjamin, served for 
some time in the army. He died in 1824. The ".Sarah 
Riggs Humphreys" Chapter of the Daughters of the Ameri- 
can Revolution is named for an aunt of Mrs. Chapman. 
Recently proof has been found to substantiate a family tra- 
dition that the Rev. Benjamin Chapman lost what was in those 
days thought to be a considerable fortune by government 
loans, and record was also found of his officiating as chaplain 
to a company of soldiers, so that a claim of lineal descent 
was allowed. 

Elijah Knox, great-grandfather, was born in 1761, at 
Blandford, Mass., and died there in 1833. He enlisted in 
July, 1779, being then eighteen years of age, and served as 
Corporal in and about New London during what was known 
as Tryone's Raid. He also served a short time in Massachu- 
setts in Col. David Moseley's Regiment. His father and two 
or three brothers were also in the army. 



28 REVOLUTIONARY AN'CEvSTRY. 

Capt. John Ferguson, great-grandfather, was born in 
Blandford, Mass., in 1740, and died there in 1792. Having 
seen some service in the Frencli and Indian war of 1757, he 
was chosen Captain of tlic company which went from l^land- 
ford on the Lexington Alarm. He continued in service 
during the war, sometimes acting as scout, and declining a 
higher rank as he thought he could do more effective work 
in the position of Captain. Many little anecdotes are told of 
his company, one of which is perhaps amusing enough to be 
worth repeating. The company was composed of neighbors 
and friends, who were quite ready to abet each other in any 
scheme by which their scant}' larder might be replenished at 
the expense of the tories in the neighborhood of their camp. 
Their skill in foraging became quite notorious, and one of 
the tories entered complaint. "But," said he, "I've still got 
twenty turkeys and I defy any of your men to find them. 
If they do they may have them." This was a challenge, and 
of course the turkeys were found, but their hiding place was 
in the house cellar. Nothing daunted, some of the men went 
one night after the family was asleep, and, putting their 
smallest man safely through a cellar window, the turkeys' 
necks were wrung without a sound and the men went back 
to camp to enjoy a very unusual feast. 

While John Ferguson and his comrades were away, his 
wife, with her five little girls, did as did other women of those 
days. She spun and wove, milked and churned, and often- 
times, in the absence of all men, ploughed, planted and 
reaped; for with twenty-five per cent, of the entire population 
of Massachusetts in the arm}', the women had frequentl}' to 
do men's work as well as their own. One sad day, often dwelt 
on in after life, some of the men of her husband's company 
brought news that they had seen him fall in battle, and after 
that he could not be found, h'or six long weeks she hoped 
and waited with no further tidings; at last, one morning the 
children came running in, crying: "Father is coming; we 
hear his gun!" Listening out of doors she heard the sound 
of firing in the village street, about a mile away. While she 
stood wondering what tidings had come, she saw a man hur- 
rying across the fields. It was her husband; who had been 



REVOLUTIONARY ANCESTRY. 29 

picked up wounded on the battlefield by friendly Indians, 
and by them nursed back to health. The first greetings over, 
he said: "Dolly, I have done all my country can require; I 
belong to you and the children, and I will not go again 
unless you tell me to do so." That very afternoon a party 
of men came from the village telling of a new call for men 
and saying: "We are none of us willing to go without you as 
Captain." He told them of the promise made to his wife, 
and she, loving her country and knowing her husband's 
wishes, said: "Go, — we will get along some way; the country 
needs you even more than I do." At the close of the war 
Capt. Ferguson was personally solicited by Gen. Washington 
to remain in the regular army with the rank of Colonel, but 
this he declined to do, saying that now the country was free 
his wife and family had the first claim on him. He occupied 
several positions of trust and influence in his native town, but 
with health impaired by his long services he died at the age 
of fifty-two. His wife outlived him nearly thirty years, dying 
at eighty years of age. 

For services of other ancestors, see paper of Miss Mary 
Chapman, Chapter No. 151. 

National No. 2046. Chapter No. 30. 

Miss Anne R. Glover. 
Descendant of 

Emory Pease, wife Mary Horton. 

Emory Pease, great-great-great-grandfather, was born 
in Enfield, Conn., in 1727, and died in Somers, Conn., in 
1796. One of the first to respond to the call of his country, 
he marched to Boston at the first alarm as Captain of a com- 
pany of twent}^ volunteers from Somers. The name of 
Captain Pease appears in the list of Captains in Col. Wads- 
worth's Regiment. During the re-organization of the Conti- 
nental forces before Boston in December, 1775, and February, 
1776, Washington called for regiments from the New En- 
gland States to guard the lines at various points until the 
new army had been well established. Connecticut sent 
three regiments, of which Col. Wadsworth's was one. They 
reached Boston toward the end of January and remained 



30 REVOLUTIONARY ANCK.STRY. 

about six weeks. In the I^a}- Table Account, under the head 
of Lexington Alarm, settlement is made with several officers, 
among the rest, "Captain Emor)^ Pees" of Somers. He was a 
man of great worth and held in high esteem in his home. 

National No. 2185. Chapter No. 31. 

Mrs. Lkonora S. Pendleton Nesmlitl wife of Benja- 
min I. Nesmith. 

Descendant of 

James Gilmore, wife Mary Clyde Parker; 

Peleg Pendleton, wife Ann Parks; 

Job Pendleton, wife Sarah Crandall; and of 

Wm. l^endleton, wife Lydia Burroughs. 

Mrs. Nesmith sends the follo\\ing account of her Revo- 
lutionary ancestors: 

"I have before me now the old documents which made 
my great-great-grandfather, 'James Gilmore gentleman,' in 
1764, PLnsign of the 7th Co. 8th Reg't New Hampshire, 
signed by Penning Wentworth, also another paper May loth, 
1770, making him Lieutenant of the same company, signed 
by John Wentworth. These of course preceded the Revo- 
lutionary War. After he was appointed Captain of the 3rd 
Co. 8th Reg't New Hampshire, 'by the first Congress of the 
Colony of New Hampshire,' signed by Mathew Thornton, 
September 5th, 1775, he was authorized by the 'Committee 
of Safety,' in December following, to raise immediately a 
company of sixty-one men to serve in the Continental Army, 
and report to General Sullivan at Winter Hill. He remained 
with Gen. Sullivan through the siege of Boston till March 
17th, 1776, when the British evacuated and they were 
discharged. 

"It must have been a sad winter for Capt. Gilmore, as his 
youngest son. Baptist, was born February 24th and his wife 
died March 26th, leaving him ten children and this infant a 
month old, with all the other 'troubles that tried men's 
souls.' 

"He reenlisted June 2nd, and was in the Battle of Bunker 
Hill. His son James was in Capt. George Reid's Company, 
which marched to Medford and joined him in the Bunker 



REVOLUTIONARY ANCESTRY. 31 

Hill fight. He was only nineteen years of age and was after- 
wards made Lieutenant Gilmore. The alarm list included 
all males between the ages of sixteen and sixty-five years. 

"James Gilmore was Captain of the 'first military com- 
pany from Windham, N. H.' 

"In about two years Captain Gilmore married again, a 
widow Mary (Clyde) Parker, a daughter of the emigrant 
Daniel Clyde, born near the beautiful river of the same name 
(Clyde) in Scotland. Mary Clyde had rejected James Gil- 
more in her younger days, and married a Mr. Parker. This 
was a renewal of an early romance. 

"Milton A. Clyde, who died in Springfield, Mass., in 1875, 
descended from the same Daniel Clyde. 

"August 6th, 1778, Capt. James Gilmore enlisted again, 
and went with Col. Jacob Gale's Regiment of Volunteers of 
Kingston, which marched and joined the Continental Army 
in Rhode Island. June 26th, 1780, Capt. James Gilmore and 
one other army officer were chosen to procure men to fill up 
the New Hampshire battalions in the Continental Army, for 
six months, 'unless sooner discharged.' No enlistments 
were for many months duration, as the war seemed drawing 
to an end. December 5th, 1780, Capt. James Gilmore was 
promoted Major of the 8th New Hampshire Regiment and in 
February, 1781, he was again chosen by the town to procure 
men to serve in the Continental Army for three years. In 
1783 he was made Lieut. Colonel, the paper in my possession 
shows, signed by Meshech Weare. This ended his career 
as a soldier, which was a long and faithful one. 

"In 1792, he was elected Justice of Peace, at Dover, 
N. H., under the signature of Josiah Bartlett. In 1797, he 
was again elected Justice of Peace at Exeter, N. H., by John 
Taylor Gilman. 

"Peleg Pendleton, my great-grandfather, belonged to a 
military family. His father was Colonel as far back as 1757, 
in the Colonial and Indian wars, and he had four brothers 
who were also in the Continental Army during the war for 
Independence. 

"Several of them were on coast guard duty very often, as 
Rhode Island, particularly Newport, was desired by the 



32 RP:VOLrTl()XARY ANCHSTRY. 

British. The entire hind of Watch Hill was the propert)^ of 
Peleg's grandfather, James Pendleton, and their homes were 
near there. Peleg being Lieutenant of an Artillery Company, 
was often ordered to Stonington, Conn., just across the river. 

"The orders for the Coast Guard were very strict. No 
one on watch could leave his post until relieved. 'There 
must always be,' so the orders ran, 'two men together on 
watch day and night.' Whenever they had an alarm of 
the British coming, the Pendleton brothers would ha\e their 
families taken back to a small, closely built up village, two 
miles awa}', called, 'Lottery.' 

"My grandfather has related to me man\' of the stories 
told him by his mother, of the trials of those years of anxiety. 
His mother was the daughter of a minister, Rev. Joseph 
Park, who had been sent to Westerh', to convert the Indians, 
not many years before the Revolutionar}' War broke out, and 
he became an earnest worker in the defence of his countr}', 
in spite of his calling. His tombstone calls him a Patriot, 
with all the other good qualities he possessed. 

"The linglish would fire their cannons from their vessels, 
loaded with red hot shot, and they would come hissing 
through the air towards their houses, sometimes falling 
into a pond which was near by. This was done to intimi- 
date them, for they would seldom land or attempt to make 
an attack. 

"My grandfather was born just three years before the end 
of the war, and as soon as peace was declared, his father 
Peleg Pendleton, and his father's brother, and a brother-in- 
law, each took their families and embarked for the coast of 
Maine, then a part of the Colony of Massachusetts. 

"Job Pendleton was my great-grandfather on my mother's 
side. He was born in Stonington, Conn., in 1747, and in 
October 1768, married Sarah Crandall. He died January 
25th, 1794. He was Lieutenant in the Regular Infantr}', 
and was the subject of a letter to Gen. George Washington, 
November 6th, 1776. 

" 'Congress recommended that a committee should be 
appointed and repair to the arm}', and- then appoint the 
officers, but as your k'.xcellency has pleased to enclose in 



REVOLUTIONARY ANCEvSTRY. 33 

your favours of the 12th ultimo, a list of such gentlemen as 
would be agreeable to }'ou to receive commissions, the Gen- 
eral Assembly strictly adhered to your nominations, although 
Lieutenant Pendleton and Lieutenant Crandall belong to the 
State of Connecticut, and Ensign Hunwell to Massachusetts 
Bay, etc., etc., etc' 

"In 1777 he is mentioned again as Capt. Job Pendleton 
detailed to some military duty in Rhode Island. 

"That he served in the war during its continuance, is 
proved by the fact that he had purchased land in what is 
now known as Maine, and had returned to take his family 
with him to their new home, when the State demanded his 
services in the impending war. The seas were infested with 
pirates and British marauders, who would attack and take 
possession of any American craft, and press the men into 
their own service. This prevented him and others from 
returning to Maine till peace was declared. Thus was my 
grandmother born in Stonington, Conn., just as the war was 
ended. 

"Col. Wm. Pendleton, was my great-great-grandfather, 
and was born in Westerly, R. I., March 23rd, 1704, and 
married Lydia Burroughs, daughter of John and Lydia (Hub- 
bard) Burroughs, also of Westerly. He died in Westerly, 
August 24th, 1786. He had been an officer for many years 
in the Colonial and Indian wars, but was fully seventy years 
old when the War for Independence was declared, and of 
course too old for active service. His great patriotism would 
not allow of his doing nothing, so his services were offered 
for home duties. He was chosen as Commissary, which 
place he filled to the great satisfaction of all, and was always 
at his post when needed. His five sons were all officers, 
either Captains or Lieutenants, during the entire war, show- 
ing a rare instance of a most patriotic family. He wished to 
live to see the war ended, and this to become an American 
Nation, and was gratified. He lived three years after the 
war ended and was eighty-two years at the time of his death." 



34 REVOLUTIONARY ANCKvSTRY. 

National No. 2327. Chapter No. 32. 

Mrs. Maria Moselev Wmitnev, widow of A. N, 
Whitney. 

Descendant of 

Dr. Reuben Champion; and of 

Col. David Moseley, wife Lydia Gay. 

For services of Dr. Champion see the paper of Mrs. L. 
J. Towers, Jr., Chapter No. 3. 

David Moseley, great-grandfather, was born inWestfield, 
Mass., March 6th, 1735, and died there November 5th, 1798. 
He was on service in the "North Department" in September 
and October, 1777, being a Captain in Col. John Moseley's 
Regiment. He also marched to Ticonderoga as Captain in 
October, 1776. He was Colonel of the Third Regiment of 
Militia of Hampshire County. From a diary in possession of 
the family is taken the following: "24th day of September, 
1777, I went to Saratoga, in the alarm of the militia." "Gen. 
Burgoyne was delivered into our hands a Prisoner of War, 
the 17th day of October, 1777.' "I returned home the 19th, 
day of October, 1777, from the camps." 

National No. 2328. Chapter No. 33. 

Mrs. Flavia I. Robinson, widow of J. C. Robinson. 
Descendant of 

Col. David Moseley; and of Dr. Reuben Champion. 

See paper of Mrs. Maria M. Whitney, Chapter No. 32, 
also of Mrs. L. J. Powers, Jr., Chapter No. 3. 

National No. 2329. Chapter No. 34. 

Mrs. Clara Moseley Moseley, wife of T. B. Moseley. 

Descendant of 
Capt. David Moseley, (afterwards Col. Moseley). 
See paper of Mrs. Maria M. Whitney, Chapter No. 32. 

National No. 2604. Chapter No. 35. 

Mrs. Marl\ L. Clark Wateralvn, widow of Dr. J. H, 
Waterman. 

Descendant of 

Samuel Clark, wife Mary Stone. 



REVOLUTIONARY ANCESTRY. 35 

Samuel Clark, great-grandfather, was born in Hopkin- 
ton, Mass., May 20th, 1743, and died in Hubbardston, May 
22nd, 1830. He was First Lieutenant in the 3rd Regiment 
of Middlesex Co., Mass., and afterwards First Lieutenant of 
the 7th Company of the 5th, or Terry's Regiment. 



National No. 2600. Chapter No. 36. 

Miss Grace Sherman Wright. 
Descendant of 

Thomas Loring, wife Sarah Lobdell. 

Thomas Loring, great-great-great-grandfather, was born 
in Plympton, Mass., April 25th, 1718, and died there June 
28th, 1795. He was the Captain of a company of Minutemen, 
which was ordered to Marshfield, to drive a company of 
British Regulars to the frigate from which they came. Their 
vessel lay off Cut River, and the Regulars were sent on here 
from Boston, at the request of certain Tories in Marshfield, 
for their protection. This company of Capt. Loring's after- 
wards joined the Continental army. 

Lieut. Ezekiel Loring, the son of Thomas, was in his 
company, as were also Adam Wright, Levi Wright, his son, 
and Josiah Perkins, all of whom were ancestors of Miss 
Wright. 



National No. 2605. Chapter No. ij. 

Mrs. Lydia Allis Smith, wife of J. R. Smith. 
Descendant of 

Nathan Harwood, wife Hannah Bannister. 

Capt. Nathan Harwood, great-grandfather, was born in 
Uxbridge, Mass., in 1737, and died there in 1790. He was 
Lieutenant in Capt. Wm. Worrel's Company, until 1777, when 
he became Captain of a company which marched from 
Windsor to Manchester, Vt., and was out from July 13th, to 
July 31st, 1777. He was also at Saratoga, at the surrender 
of Burgoyne. 



36 RKVOLUTIONARY ANCESTRY. 

National No. 2601. Chapter No. 38- 

Miss Harriettk M. Bi;i:iiK. 
Descendant of 

Robert Breck, .second wife Eunice Brewer. 

Rev. Robert Breck, 2nd, great-great-grandfather, was 
born in Springfield, Mass., and b}' his patriotic sermons and 
exhortations encouraged his congregation in the defence of 
their liberties. His son Robert Breck, 3rd, was Clerk of 
Courts at Northampton, and served as clerk at all meetings 
of the Revolutionary Committees of that town, draughting all 
their resolutions for furnishing supplies to the Continental 
army, and for all precautionar}' and patriotic measures. 

Another collateral ancestor was Deacon Nathaniel 
Brewer, the brother of Mrs. Eunice Brewer Breck, who headed 
the committee on the proposed articles of confederation 
among the states. He was also on the committee in the 
town of Springfield which drew up the first series of patriotic 
resolutions (Jul}-, 1774) protesting against taxation by the 
mother countr\" without representation in Parliament. 



National No. 2606. Chapter No. 39. 

Miss Anmk L. Baii.kv. 
Descendant of 

Samuel B. Bade)', wife Rebecca; and of 

I^benezer Bailey, wife Anne Starr. 

Samuel B. Bailey, great-great-grandfather, was born in 
Danbury, Conn., in 1728. He was appointed Eieutenant of 
the 9th Company Trainband, in the i6th Regiment, from 
Danbury, Conn., by Act of Assembly, dated May, 1776. 

Ebenezer J^ailey, great-grandfather, son of Samuel B. 
Bailc}', served in the company of men who, in April, 1775, 
marched from the Connecticut towns "for the Relief of Bos- 
ton, in the Eexington Alarm." His name also appears in a 
"Return of men detached from the 2nd Regiment of Light 
Horse in the State of Connecticut, to ser\'e in the Continental 
Army, until the 15th of January next." This is dated 
October 5th, 1779. 



REVOI.UTIONARY ANCESTRY. 37 

National No. 3025. Chapter No. 40. 

Mrs. Martha L. Branch Lyman, wife of E. E. Lyman 
of Greenfield, Mass. 

Descendant of 

William Branch, wife Lucretia Branch. 

William Branch, grandfather, was born in Norwich, 
Conn., September 3rd, 1760, and died in Madison, Ohio., 
April 13th, 1849. I" April, 1777, he enlisted for the war, 
under Capt. Jedediah Hyde, in Col. Durkee's Regiment. In 
July, 1783, he was discharged from Capt. Clift's Company, 
Col. Butler's Connecticut Regiment, at West Point, N. Y., 
and was "honored with the Badge of Merit for six years' 
faithful service." Wm. Branch was at the battle of German- 
town, Pa., October 4th, 1777; at Monmouth, N. J., June 28th, 
1778; and at Mud Fort, November, 1777, as well as in other 
battles and skirmishes. Mud Fort was on one of several 
islands in the Delaware River, just below Philadelphia. 
There were several forts, including F"orts Mercer and Miflin, 
either on some of the islands or at the Red Banks of New 
Jersey opposite, from which the battles of October and No- 
vember, 1777, are more generally known as the "Red Banks." 
The British occupied Philadelphia in September, 1777, and 
it was necessary that the river should be open to their ves- 
sels. Wm. Branch was at the siege of Yorktown, and was 
present at the surrender of Lord Cornwallis, October 17th, 
1 78 1. His company was with Gen. Washington in the his- 
toric camp of Valley Forge. He was one of the guard who 
took Major Andre from the gallows. 

National No. 3026. Chapter No. 41. 

Mrs. Jeanie Gordon Ireland, wife of Oscar B. Ireland. 
Descendant of 

Timothy Gordon, wife Lydia Whitmore; and of 

David Ames. 

Timothy Gordon, great-grandfather, was born at Brent- 
wood, N. H., December 30th, 1757, and died at Newburyport, 
Mass., January i6th, 1836. He enlisted April 23rd, 1775, in 
Capt. Daniel Moore's Company, Stark's Regiment, and was 
in the battles of Bunker Hill, Bennington, and Saratoga. In 



38 REVOI.UTIONARV ANCKvSTRY. 

i8i2, he did the iron work of the United States sloop-of-war 
"Wasp." A cousin of his, James Gordon of Exeter, N. H., 
with his two sons, William and Joseph, also served under 
Gen. Stark. At the Hubbardston fight, July 7th, 1777, the 
two sons were taken prisoners. Joseph, the }ounger, was 
athletic and of great daring. As he and the other prisoners 
were tramping through the woods of Vermont, under guard, 
toward Montreal, he perceived what he thought was an 
opportunity for escape. He explained his plans to his fel- 
low prisoners and persuaded them to join in the attempt. 
Seizing a favorable moment, they rose upon their guard, 
overpowered them, faced the detachment about, and three 
days later arrived at Gen. Stark's camp, where they handed 
over the guard as prisoners The father and both sons 
served throughout the war and were present at the surrender 
of Cornwallis. 

David Ames' great-grandfather served with Massachusetts 
troops on at least two occasions, and that he did not serve 
continuously was due to the circumstance that the State re- 
garded his services in managing the Bridgewater iron works 
as more important than in the ranks of the army. In 1794, 
he was appointed by Washington to be the first superintend- 
ent of the armory at Springfield, which position he held until 
1802. Under him the Armory turned out its first musket 
in 1795. 



National No. 3027. Chapter No. 42. 

Mrs. Florence I. W. Burnham, widow of Alfred V. 
Hurnham. 

Descendant of 

Eli Sackett, wife Sarah Grannis; 

Daniel Sackett, wife Mary Baldwin; and of 

Titus Wixon. 

Eli Sackett, great-grandfather, was born in North Hav- 
en, Conn., and died there. He was a Minuteman. 

Daniel Sackett, great-great-grandfather, son of Eli, en- 
listed July, 1778, was in the battle of White Plains and after- 
wards did garrison duty in forts along the Hudson River. 



REVOLUTIONARY ANCESTRY. 39 

Titus Wixon, great-grandfather, of Patterson, Putnam 
Co., N. Y., served through the Revolutionary War. His 
sword is in the possession of Mrs. Burnham. 



National No. 3173. Chapter No. 43. 

Mrs. Harriet Brooks Cole, wife of D. P. Cole. 
Descendant of 

Simon Brooks; 

Eleazer Ring, wife Damaris Johnson; and of 

Dr. Eleazer Woodruff. 

Simon Brooks, paternal great-grandfather, marched from 
West Springfield to Saratoga, to intercept Burgoyne in 1777. 

Eleazer Ring, paternal great-grandfather, was born in 
Kingston, Mass., December 3rd, 1749, and died in Chester- 
field, Mass., May 14th, 1814. He served for eight months in 
Capt. Robert Webster's Company, Col. John Fellows' Regi- 
ment; also for sixteen days in Lieut. Abner Dweller's Com- 
pany, on an expedition to Manchester, commencing July 
20th, 1777. He was with Washington at Valley Forge, and 
took part in the battle of Bennington. This family traces 
back to the Mayflower; Damaris Hopkins, an ancestress, came 
with her father Stephen on the first voyage, and her husband, 
Andrew Ring, came on the second voyage. 

Dr. Eleazar Woodruff, maternal great-great-grandfather, 
was a surgeon in the war. The following is a copy of a 
letter, now on record in Guilford, Conn , written by him to 
Deacon Dodo Pierson of Killingworth: 

"Rye in N. Y., October 12th, 1776. 

Respected Sir: — ^' * * Our circumstances are as 
favorable as can be expected. We are encamped on York 
Island, about eight rods east from Mt. Washington, in the 
woods. *■■ * " We have good tents to live in, straw to 
lay on, salt pork and beef, good bread plenty and sometimes 
a few potatoes, cider at seven coppers a quart, and who can 
wish to live better than that.^ " ^^ * Last Wednesday, 
three ships sailed up the North River and as they passed the 
fort, they fired some guns, but no damage done." ^ * -s 



JUN 8 19C3 



40 RFA'OLUTIOXARY ANCESTRY. 

National No. 3174. Chapter No. 44. 

Mrs. Lucy Brooks Weiser, wife of Edwin L. Wei.ser. 

Descendant of 
Simon Brooks; Eleazer Ring; and of 
Dr. Eleazer Woodruff. 
See paper of Mrs. D. P. Cole, Chapter No. 43. 



National No. 3415. Chapter No. 45. 

Mrs. Susan Dickinson Carr, wife of L. F. Carr. 
Descendant of 

Noah Dickinson, wife Susan Dickinson; 

John Dickinson, wife Lydia Eastman; and of 

David Young, wife Hannah Lombard. 

Lieut. Noah Dickinson, great-grandfather, was born in 
Amherst in 17 19, and died there May 28th, 181 5. He was 
Lieutenant in Col. Porter's Regiment, and went to Boston on 
the Lexington Alarm in 1775. He also served under Gen. 
Gates, and was present at the surrender of Burgoyne, Octo- 
ber 17th, 1777. 

John Dickinson, great-grandfather, was born in Amherst, 
in 1758, and died January 4th, 1850. He enlisted under 
Capt. Reuben Dickinson, and was in the battle of Bunker 
Hill; also in service during the eight months' campaign of 
1775. "He was the last survivor of his company." 

Captain David Young, great-grandfather, was born in 
Truro, Mass., and died in Athol, Mass., Januar}' 15th, 1841. 
He was in the battles of Saratoga and White Plains and 
received a pension. 

National No. 3416. Chapter No. 46. 

Mrs. Ruenna Call Watson, wife of A. H. Watson. 
Descendant of 

Capt. Amos Skeele, wife Mercy Otis. 

See paper of Mrs. Wm. R. Palmer, Chapter No. 28. 

Mercy Otis, the wife of Dr. Amos Skeele, was a descend- 
ant of John Howland, who came over in the Mayflower in 
1620, and was a cousin of Mercy Warren from whom our 
Chapter is named. 



I 



